Depth charge projector



AP 1946. w. E. PATRICK, JR; ETAL. ,3

DEPTH CHARGE PROJECTOR Filed May 27, 1942 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS A ril 30, W46. w. E. PATRICK, JR, ETAL ,2

DEPTH CHARGE PROJECTOR Filed May 27, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 I I Flfif, 2

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- A 3,146. 1 W. E. pA- -Rlck, JR, Em ma DEETH CHARGE PROJECTOR Filed May 27, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 I IVENTERS WMELME m Efiaammx JED Em/m? P, mma. 2;

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CHARGE PROJECTOR Filed May 27-, 1942 Sheets-Sheet 4 WILLIAM EPARIcK JR.

Patented Apr. 30, 1946 UNITED STATES PTENT FFIC DEPTH CHARGE PROJECTOR William E. Patrick, Jr., Silver Spring, Md., and Edward P. Gebhard, Arlington, Va.

(Granted under the act of March 3, 1883, as amended April 30, 1928; 370 0. G. 757) Claims.

This invention relates to naval ordnance, and more particularly to a projector for depth charges.

In the past, depth charges have proved to be an effective weapon against submarines when the depth charges are dropped or projected sufficiently close to the submarine. Hence, it has been found expedient to project a number of depth charges in a pattern in order to increase the area in which the depth charges would be effective in order to destroy a. submarine. However, it is obvious that the efiective destructive area is limited to the pattern and the number of depth charges forming the pattern. If the number of depth charges capable of being projected may be increased, naturally the pattern may as sume a larger offensive area, which in turn, would increase the destructive possibilities and thus provide increased safety to a surface ship.

In the past, it has been the customary practice to provide projectors for depth charges having two barrels which connect to a single breech mechanism, the breech mechanism containing a single explosive cartridge. Depth charges were inserted in each of the barrels and were fired simultaneously when the single explosive cartridge was fired. The barrels normally extended in opposite directions to each other in order to offset the lateral stresses placed upon the deck which supported the gun. Because of their characteristic design, these guns came to be known as Y'-guns, and they had to be located on deck either forward or aft, away from the superstructure, so that there would be sufiicient clearance at all times for the path of the charges when fired fro the gun. Because of this, the pattern made by a plurality of depth charges fired more or less simultaneously, was limited. Also, it was diificult to vary the pattern formed by the depth charges.

Another disadvantage in the design of former types of Y-guns was the fact that the breech plug mechanism was removable from the breech, and as a. result, often became lost or misplaced, or perhaps inexpertly handled.

In addition to the aforementioned disadvantages, former types of Y-guns required considerable time and skill to load and fire, and at times, were prematurely detonated.

An object of this. invention, therefore, is to provide a projector for depth charges wherein the pattern forming the destructive area may be increased, thus insuring greater safety to the surface vessel.

Another object of the invention is to provide a projector for depth charges wherein the loading and firing of the same may be accomplished in a more positive and expeditious manner.

Another object of the invention is to associate all parts of the projector in such a manner that they cannot become lost or misplaced, and always assume their proper relationship.

Another object of the invention is to provide a safety device which will prevent premature firing wherein the safety device is simple in construction and positive in function.

Still further objects, advantages, and improvements will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which show a preferred form of the invention, of which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of the projector with a depth charge and arbor in place ready for firing.

Fig, 2 is a side elevation of the projector.

Fig. 3 is a plan view, partly cut away, of the barrel and breech mounting on the base of the projector. I

Fig. 4 is an end view of the breech plug and firing mechanism in the closed position with the safety latch in safety position.

- Fig. 5 is a view of the breech, with its firing mechanism, partly in section taken along the line 5'5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a detailed view, partly in section, of the firing mechanism when the breech plug is unlocked, taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 8.

Fig. '7 is a detailed sectional view of the firing mechanism after the breech plug has been locked and the firing pin cocked ready for firing, taken along line 1--.l of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is an end view of the breech and. its firing mechanism when the plug is in the unlocked position.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the safety rocker.

Fig. 10 is a detailed sectional view of the firing pin construction.

Fig. 11 is a cross sectional View of the firing pin taken on the line llll of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a cross sectional view of the firing pin taken on the line l2l 2 of Fig. 10.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the carrier.

Fig. 14'is a perspective view of the breech plug.

Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view taken on line l5l 5 of Fig; 5.

Fig. 16 is a cross sectional view taken on line Iii-l6 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 17 is a cross sectional view similar to Fig. 7, showing the ejector action.

Referring now to the drawings, on which like numerals of reference are employed to designate like parts throughout the several views, and more particularly to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, there is shown a base 15 having a breech l6 formed integral therewith. The base is bolted or otherwise secured in a suitable location on board ship, The base is formed to provide a spherical expansion cham-- ber in its interior, and a short extension 150. is provided to support a barrel l1. preferably at a 45 degree angle to the ship, the extension 15a being in direct communication with the spherical expansion chamber.

A depth charge D of conventional design shown in Figs. 1 and 2, is lashed to an arbor A. -The arbor A is preferably of the type disclosed and claimed in the copending application of William E. Patrick, Jr., Serial Number 443,582, filed May 19, 1942. Slots I8 (see Fig. 3) are provided in the muzzle of the barrel i I to accommodate at least one projection l8a located on the underside of the arbor A to prevent the arbor stem from turning after the same is positioned within the barrel. Eyes I9 (see Fi 1) are secured to the barrel l1 and serve as anchors for a light lashing lSa which is placed over the depth charge D and its arbor A to retain the varborand depth charge within the barrel. The light lashing l9a may be removed before firing, but it is made light enough so that it will give way without being removed, when the gun is fired. A chain 2| is secured at one end to a convenient fixed point on the gun, while the other end of the chain 2| is secured to a clip 22.

The clip 22 fits in a groove cut in the arming pin of the depth charge D to keep the arming pin in an unarmed position. When the gun is fired, forcing the depth charge and arbor from the gun, the clip 22 will be pulled away from the arming pin by the chain 2!, thus permitting the arming pin to be drawn inwardly by a spring into the armed position.

A breech ring 23 (see Fig. 2) is bolted to the breech l6, and a carrier 24 is pivoted to the breech ring by means of a hinge pin 25.

The carrier 24 (see Fig. 5) holds the breech plug 26 in position by means of the threads 21 which extend over the entire circumference of the plug along the portion which is retained within the carrier. However the plug is cut flat on two sides as at 28 (Fig. 14) for the portion of its length whichfits within and engages .the breech ring. The threads within the breech ring are also cut away, as at 29 (see Figs. 15 and'16), to permit the insertion of the plug into the breech in the position shown in Fig. 8, and subsequent locking of the. plug by a 90 turn which will put the plug in the position shown in Fig. 4.

An operating handle 31 (see Fig. 5) is attached to a boss 32 on the plug 26 and extends through a slot 33 provided in the carrier 24 (see Fig. 13). This slot is helical to conform to the pitchof the threads 21 and is formed with enlarged circular end portions 34 and 35 into which fits a cylindrical sleeve 36 carried by the operating handle 3 I This sleeve isnormally urged'inwardly by the spring 31. When the plug 26 is in the closed position, as in Figs. 4 and 5, the spring 31 holds the sleeve 36 in the end portion 34 of slot 33. The handle and plug cannot be moved until the sleeve is pulled out of the end portion 34, after which the handle may be moved and the plug opened. ,When the handle reaches the open position, as in Fig. 8, the sleeve 36 will slip in the end enlargement 35 and lock the plug in the open position, from 'whichit sleeve 49 and maintains the off-center with respect to the plug 26 when the plug is opened or unlocked. The result is that when the plug is opened the firing pin will not be in line with the primer (see Fig. 16) and the danger of a premature explosion will be obviated. As the operating handle is moved from the open to the closed position, the firing pin 38 will then move in an arc of short radius until it finally comes into line with the primer, ready for firing (see Fig. 15). V

Referring now to Figs. 10, 11, and 12, the firing pin 38 is of the type which is suitable for firing either electrically, or by percussion. A bushing 39 is threaded into the opening in the. plug 26. A sleeve 4| slides within the bushing, its forward motion being limited by a shoulder 42 which rests against the lip 43 of bushing 39. A spring 44 sur-. rounding this sleeve is kept under a substantial initial compression by means of the collar 45 threaded on the end of sleeve 4|. This collar abuts against the shoulder 46 formed in the firing pin hole. Another bushing 41 is threaded within the sleeve 4| and holds one end of the spring 48 in place. This spring surrounds the firing pin firing pin 38 against the primer with a relatively light compression, sufficient only for a good electrical contact. A washer 5| holds the other end of spring 48 in place against the shoulder 52 of the firing pin sleeve. This firing pin sleeve is enlarged at one end to provide a shoulder 52, against which the collar 45 and sleeve 4| press when the firing pin is withdrawn. The lower end of the enlargement comes up against the bottom of the firing pin hole 54 whenever the pinis operated for percussion firing. An insulating bushing 55 separatesthe firing pin 38 from all surrounding metal, as doesthe washer 56, which is held in place by the electric terminal 51. A firing pin knob 58 is threaded on theoutside end of the firing pin sleeve 49.; I

A safety rocker 59 (see Fig. '7) pivots on a shaft 6| held by two upright bosses 62 ,on the outer face of the plug 26. One end of the safety rocker is formed in the shape of a'yoke (see Fig. 9) which fits under the firing pin knob, while the other end extends into a slot 63 cut in the carrier 24. This slot is cut in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the plug, as shown in Fig. 13. As the plug rotates from the closed to the open position (and at the same time travels transversely in the carrier 24) the end of the safety rocker 59 which engages the slot 63 will be moved down while the other end will be forced up into engagement with the firing pin knob 58 so as to lift the firing pin out of possible engagement with the primerof the through the two extensions 33a. One end of the toggle bears against the under side of the sear lever While the other end engages the under side of the firing pin knob 58. A coil spring 68 holds the toggle B6 in position while permitting it to rotate when the sear lever 63b is moved into the firing position. The short shaft 64 has a firing lever 59 fixed to one end, while the free end of this firing lever is drilled at H to accommodate a lanyard or other attaching means. When the firing lever is in the ready position it may be locked by means of a small bolt '12, operated by a handle 13, which slides in a guideway provided on the boss 32. A small spring 74 tends to move the bolt toward the locked position as shown in Fig. 5.

An extractor i is pivotally mounted on the shaft 76, which runs through the bosses that support the hinge pin 25. One end '17 of this extractor extends under the rim of the cartridges, while the other end 18 is engaged by the cam surface 19 of the carrier 24. This cam surface is curved so that when the carrier is swung open (see Fig. 17) it will rotate the extractor and thus start the cartridge C out of the breech. A buffer 8|, preferably formed from a phenolic condensation product, or other similar composition, is provided on the face of the breech, against which the stop 32 on the carrier rests when in open position.

In operation, the depth charge D is assembled on the arbor A, and the stem of the arbor is inserted into the muzzle end of the barrel H, the lugs formed on the tray of the arbor fitting in slots I8 thereby securing the arbor against rotary displacement. The arbor and depth charge are then lashed to the barred by the light lashing Ito. Thereafter, the clip 22, being secured to' the free end of chain 2|, is then placed in the groove cut in the arming pin to retain the arming pin in unarmed position, all as shown in Fig. 1.

The breech mechanism is then opened by pivoting the carrier 24 about pivot 25, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2. A cartridge C is then inserted in the breech chamber, as seen in Fig. 5, so that the outer flange of the cartridge rests upon the extractor '15. The operating handle 3| is then pushed forward until the carrier 24 rests firmly upon the breech ring 23. When in this position, the firing pin 38 will be offset from the cartridge primer, as previously described. The sleeve 35 of the handle 3| is then pulled outwardly as far as it will go, thus releasing the sleeve from the enlargement 35, thereby permitting the handle 3| to slide in slot 33. The handle is then turned until it stops. By turning the handle, the breech plug threads 2! become engaged with the threads of the breech ring 23. Thus, the breech plug becomes locked within the breech ring and the rotation of the breech plug will align the firing pin 38 with the primer of the cartridge C. When the handle 3| is released, the spring 31 forces the sleeve into the circular end portion 34, thus locking the handle in this position. While the breech plug was being rotated, the pitch of the threads forced the same outwardly, (the handle 3| being permitted to move correspondingly because of the pitch in slot 33) and the safety rocker 59, which slides in the slot 33, (which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation) during rotation of the breech plug pivots so as to lower the firing pin in the breech plug into contact with the primer. The pressure of the firing pin on the primer, however, as previously described, is only suflicient to make a good electrical contact. At this point, the depth charge may be fired electrically by supplying a suitable source of electricity to the firing pin, the control of the supply being preferably from a remote place. This manner of firing, which is the preferred form, permits one ofiicer to regulate and time the firing of a plurality of guns so as to lay a prearranged pattern of depth charges, all of which will be readily understood by one skilled in the art.

However, as previously mentioned, the firing pin is designed to fire by percussion, if desired. When the gun is to be fired by percussion, the operating handle 63 fixed to shaft 66 is pushed forwardly, thus rotating shaft 6%. Rotation of shaft 54 lowers the sear lever 63b, thereby lowering toggle 66, the toggle in turn riding over the firing pin knob 58, this action being permitted because of the relative rotary movement between the toggle 66 and the sear lever 63. At this point, the parts will be in position as shown in Fig. 7. At this time, the operating handle 69 may be locked in its forward position by sliding the bolt 12 over the handle as seen in Figs. 4 and 5. Thus, when the gun is to be fired by percussion, the safety bolt 12 is retracted, and the operating lever is pulled backwardly, preferably by a lanyard, and as the operating lever is pulled, the shaft 64 will be rotated, raising the. sear lever 63 and toggle 66, the toggle in turn raising the firing pin against the force of the main spring 44 until the toggle pulls away from the knob 58, due to its arcuate path of travel. When the latter occurs, the tension of the main spring 44 will drive the firing pin into engagement with the primer, thus detonating the cartridge 0.

When the cartridge has been fired, either by electricity or percussion, the handle 3| is unlocked as previously described, and rotated to unlock the breech plug 25 from the carrier 24. It should be noted at this point that when the handle 3| is rotated to unlock the breech plug 26, the plug is raised slightly due tothe pitch of the threads, and when the breech plug is raised, the rocker arm 59 will rock to raise the firing pin 38. The rotary motion of the breech plug also moves the firing pin 38 out of axial alignment with the center axis of the breech. Therefore, when the breech plug 26 is unlocked and/or in its open position, the firing pin will be raised within the breech plug and axially offset, so that, when reloading the breech I6 with a new cartridge, there can be no possibility of prematurely detonating the cartridge when the breech plug is being closed. After firing and unlocking the breech plug, the handle 3| may then be raised to pivot the breech plug about its pivotal connection 25, thereby pulling the plug out of the breech. While the breech plug is moving outwardly, the cam surface 19 on the carrier 24 cams the extractor 15 to raise the cartridge shell from the breech.

The invention herein described may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A depth charge projector comprising an explosion chamber, a barrel in communication with said explosion chamber, a breech in communication with said explosion chamber, and a breech mechanism for said breech, said breech mechanism including a pivotally mounted carrier, a

plug rotatable within said carrier and a firing pin carried by said plug in axially offset relationship to the breech, the rotary movement of said plug being adapted to axially align the firing pin with the breech, andmeans carried by the breech mechanism causing the raising of said firing pin relative to the plug when the plug is rotated in a direction to unlock the plug and for lowering said firing pin relative to the plug when the plug is rotated in a direction to lock the plug.

2. A depth charge projector comprising an explosive chamber, a barrel in communication with said explosive chamber, a breech in communication with said explosive chamber, and breech mechanism for said breech, said breech mechanism including a pivotally mounted carrier, a plug rotatable within said carrier, a firing pin carried by said plug in axially ofiset relationship to the breech, the rotary movement of said plug causing the firing pin to be axially aligned with the breech, and means-carried by the breech mechanism for raising said firing pin relative to the plug when the plug is rotated sothat the firing pin is offset from the breech andfor lowering said firing pin relative to the plug when the plug is rotated to axially align the firing pin with the breech.

3. A depth charge projector comprising an explosive chamber, a barrel in communication with said explosive chamber, a breech in communication with said explosive chamber, and a breech mechanism for said breech, said breech mechanism including a carrier and a breech plug rotatably threaded within said'carrier and being adapted to have a limited axial movement within the carrier when rotated, a firing pin carried by said plug in axially ofiset relationship to the breech, the rotary movement of said plug causing the firing pin to be axially aligned with the breech, and means carried by the breech mechanism for raising said firing pin relative to the plug when the plug is raised within the carrier when rotated to unlocking position and for low ering saidfiring pin relative to the plug when the plug is lowered within the carrier when rotated to locking position. 7 p

4. A depth charge projector having an explosive chamber, a barrel in communication with said explosive chamber, a breech in communication with said explosive chamber, a breech mechanism for the breech, said breech mechanism including a carrier and a breech plug rotatably secured therein, means carried by said plug for locking and unlocking said plug to said breech when said plug is rotated from one position to another, a slot formed in the circumference of said carrier having enlarged portions at each end thereof, a handle attached to said plug and extending through said slot, a stop adjacent to each end of said slot and determining the afore said positions, and means on said handle for engaging said enlarged portions of said slot to lock the handle thereby preventing rotary movement of the breech plug.

5. A depth charge projector comprising an explosion chamber, a barrel in communication with said explosion chamber, a breech in communication with said explosion chamber; and a breech mechanism for said breech, said breech mechanism including a carrier pivoted to said breech, a breech plug rotatably threaded within said carrier, a helical slot cut in the circumference of said carrier having a pitch substantially the same as that of the threads on the plug, said slot having enlarged end portions, a handle secured to said plug and extending through said slot for rotating said plug, and a laterally movable element on said handle adapted toengage the enlargements in said slot for locking the handle and plug.

WILLIAM E. PATRICK, J a. EDWARD P. GEBHARD. 

